
5 LIBRARY OF CONGRESS. 5 











— -W 1 

* UNITED STATES OP AMERICA. | 



e< 364&/G 



JOHN'S TRIP 



OR 



A Visit to Niagara 

A SERIO-COMIC POEM, 

IN FOUR CANTOS, 



BY 



JOHN R. BARLOW, 



ATJTHOB OP THE "MAIDEN OF THE MIST," 40. 



NIAGAKA FALLS: 
WILLIAM POOL, PRINTER, 

GAZETTE BUILDING. 

1871. 



o<° s 



^i°: 



3- 



Entered according to Act of Congress in the year 1871,. 

By JOHN R. BARLOW, 
in the Office of the Librarian of Congress at Washington,, 



TO ALL THOSE 

Who have Visited, Are Visiting, Or ever intend 
to visit Niagara, 

This Poem is Respectfully Inscribed, 

BY 

THE AUTHOR. 



JOHN'S TEIP, 

OR 

A VISIT TO NIAGARA. 

CANTO I. 

I want a hero : an uncommon want, 

When every year and month sends forth a new one, 
Till, after cloying the gazettes with cant, 

The age discovers he is not the true one ; 
Of such as these I should not care to vaunt, 

I'll therefore take our ancient friend Don Juan ! 

— Bybok. 

Aspiring genius, fiery youth ! 

Oh ! thoughts and feelings great, 
Which lead us on to deeds that seem, 

Scarce pre-ordained by fate. 
Oh ! how we long for something more, 

Than that which heav'n has sent, 
And vainly strive for empty joys, 

Till fire of youth is spent. 



But pray, begone, ye puerile thoughts 

Of sentimental strain ; 
The joys of youth we cherish dear, 

For they are not in vain ; 
They fill the heart with lightsome scenes. 

Redeeming us from care ; 
They cheer us down the vale of life, 

With retrospection rare. 



A VISIT TO NIAGARA. 



Bright dreams of what may sometimes be- 
But "castles in the air,"— 

Though ye full often disappoint, 
Ye are of life a share ! 

Ye lead us on to deeds, which may 
By age be sore condemned ; 

But who, in youthful years, e'er thought 
Of what mi^ht be the end ! 



Thus thought a youth, who long had lived 

A life of happy dreams ; 
Whose dearest wish was that, sometime) 

He'd bask in Fortune's beams ; 
Long had he dwelt, contented, in 

His eastern country home , 
Till youthful aspirations taught 

His heart a wish to roam. 



But here, unto his youthful mind, 

A question did arise, 
Where he would go, that he might see 

The most to cause surprise ; 
And having read and heard folks say 

Niagara was not slow, 
Made up his mind, without delay, 

To that place he would go. 



A VISIT TO NIAGARA. 



Then all was hurry, rush and haste, 

And time most precious grew ; 
One meagre week was all he had, 

In which to see it through ; 
He packed his carpet-bag with speed, 

His wardrobe on his back ; 
And from his friends, he then received 

Of good advice, no lack. 



And feeling, like a prudent youth, 

That life is but a breath, 
He bought a ticket, to ensure 

His friends, in case of death , 
Though there are some, without a doubt, 

Who'd think it little loss, 
If he by fate, or circumstance, 

Should chance to get a toss. 



But hoping that he'll have good speed, 

And come back, safe and sound, 
We beg his leave to fellow him 

Upon his journey round ; 
To tell what he may hear, and see, 

And feel, and think and say ; 
To set it down, in mirthful strain, 

As jottings by the way. 



8 A VISIT TO NIAGARA. 



Then first and foremost, to begin, 

Oar hero — yes, 'tis so — 
A tale without a hero would 

Be worthless as you know, — 
What matter, though he chance to be 

A youth of humble birth ! 
Who knows, but he in time to come 

May prove a man of worth ! 



The days of bold Knight Errantry, 

Have long since passed away ; 
And heroes, now, are chosen from 

Men of the present day, 
And how much nobler in this land, 

Where poverty's no ban, 
To feel, when years have left us gray, 

We stand a "self-made man!" 



And now our Hero with a name. 

We shall proceed to grace, 
By which, to us, he may be known 

Through change of time and place; 
We'll call him John — an honest name, 

As always has been shown ; 
I like it, too — perchance, because 

It proves to be my own. 



A VISIT TO NIAdARA. 



Bnf if my mem'ry serves me right, 

I planned myself, to tell 
That which our Hero heard and saw, 

And what to him befell. 
The first thing then, the which he saw, 

With selfishness replete, 
Was how each one, for self inclined, 

Strove for a double seat. 



And, being of an aptish turn, 

And ripe for learning fast, 
He thought he'd serve himself the same, 

So round a look he cast, 
And seeing that they gained far more 

By stratagem, than strength, 
He found a seat, which he secured 

By stretching out full length. 



And being wise as well as apt, 

He held his own so well, 
That, if 'twere in a better cause, 

I should be proud to tell ; 
But when the ticket-puncher came, 

He left his line of ease, 
And in the corner, sat as prim 

And innocent's you please. 



10 A VISIT TO NIAGARA, 



But one thing there his vision met, 

Which won upon his heart — 
A mother, weary, needing rest, 

Fulfilled a mother's part — 
Forgot her own sad weariness, 

And gave her thought and care 
Unto her little weary son ; 

Oh ! love, how sweet, how rare ! 



A mother's love ! Oh, priceless gem I 

Oh ! mine of wealth untold ! 
I hold thee dearer than my life, 

An hundred thousand fold. 
All other love may fail, and prove 

As naught but empty air ; 
But thou art true while life shall last, 

Oh ! love without compare. 



The wee, uncertain, toddling steps, 

Of tender infancy, 
Are fondly watched, and watched full well, 

"When they are watched by thee; 
And still in childhood's happy hours, 

Sweet hours of joyous play, 
How oft, to heav'n a prayer goes up, 

To guard them on their way 1 



A VISIT TO NIAGARA. 11 



And still in youth and manhood's prime, 

When feelings stronger grow, 
Thou watchest on, with tender glance, 

Where'er those feet may go ; 
And still you cherish them as dear, 

Yes, dearer, day by day ; 
And still thy prayer ascends on high, 

That they go not astray. 



You scarcely feel that they have grown, 

They're still the same to you ; 
The same you watched, in years agone, 

So faithful, fond and true, 
And though they wander e'er so far, 

Thy wealth of tenderness, 
Thro' years of time shall never change, 

Nor e'er shall it grow less. 



But, goodness gracious ! bless my eyes ! 

To you it must be plain, 
Instead of writing mirth, I've struck 

A sentimental vein. 
But to the one who reading this, 

Would praise to me award, 
As Byron says : "Ah ! reader mine, 

I spin this by the yard." 



U A VISIT TO NIAGAKA. 



But John had eyes for other things 

Than this fond mother's love ; 
A smiling face and tender eye 

Did now his soft heart move ; 
The train had at a station stopped, 

A maiden entered in, 
And all alone she seemed to be, 

Which John condemned a sin. 



She took the seat before the one 

In which our Hero sat, 
The only one which vacant was, 

And John was glad of that ; 
For thus he had a splendid chance, 

Her beauty to admire ; 
To*open conversation then 

Be sure, was his desire. 



But he had been too well brought up, 

For anything like that, 
And so contented him to sit 

Admiring while he sat; 
But, by and by, the maiden turned, 

And sweetly wished to know, 
If he would kindly tell how far 

It was to some depot. 



A VISIT TO NIAGAKA. 13 



Now John was taken so aback, 

By her sweet words and smiles, 
He answered what he \* ished was true, 

" About a thousand miles ;" 
Now as they were not half that way, 

From New York City vast, 
No wonder that the maid on him, 

A look of doubting cast. 



John saw his error, and in haste 

Excuses stammered out, 
And said he wondered what he could 

Be thinking then about ; 
Then told the distance, as it was, 

Well pleased o'er what he'd done, 
For conversation, by this slight 

Mistake, was well begun. 



They talked about the weather, and 

The pleasures of the way ; 
And suchlike other senseless things, 

Which some folks find to say ; 
Now John, whose heart was very soft, 

Was easily impressed ; 
And little knew that maiden, of 

The tumult in his breast. 



14 A VISIT TO NIAGARA. 



But one had marked it well indeed, 

An ancient, straight-backed maid ; 
She saw how things were going on, 

And plans to stop them laid; 
She rose, like " bird of prey" and down 

Beside the maiden lights ; 
Then says to John : " Young man, do you 

Believe in Woman's Rights ?" 



Now had a bolt of thunder burst 

At John's astonished feet, 
It had not more dismayed him, than 

That bolt within the seat ; 
The thunder of his maddened no, 

The very seats did jar ; 
And with a look of hatred deep, 

lie rose and left the car. 



But back to travel let us go, 

The breakfast comes apace ; 
Just twenty minutes now you have, 

To eat and wash your face ; 
And just as you've begun to eat, 

"Time's up," is loudly roar'd ; 
You scald your throat with red-hot tea. 

In haste to get aboard. 



A VISIT TO NIAGARA. 



The dinner, too, is just the same, 

You're forced to run away 
With just one fifth the worth of what 

You may have had to pay ; 
But every journey has an end, 

And this was like the rest ; 
From " Little Khody," to New York, 

Is but a day at best. 



And so, at last, mid rush and roar. 

He entered on the pave, 
And wondered much, to see the folks 

So solemn look and grave ; 
For every one just looked as though 

They would increase the pace, 
Or just as if their very life 

Depended on the race. 



But with the crowd he sped along, 

Till Broadway met his view ; 
But this a little too much proved, 

For scarce could he get through ; 
The rush, the roar, the oath, the jest, 

The rolling, rumbling sound, 
Composed a Babel so immense, 

One's mind it might confound. 



16 A VISIT TO NIAGARA. 



As through the crowd he shoved his way, 

With wonder he did gaze 
Upon the stores, mile after mile, 

And on their grand displays ; 
And when he saw the countless throng 

In each direction dash, 
He wondered where they all got knives. 

To eat their little hash. 



? Mid big hotels, and grand saloons. 

The pride of great Broadway, 
He wandered on, and wondered much 

Where he was going to stay ; 
At last lie saw a little "Inn," 

Which made him lightly laugh ; 
But found the price per day, alas ! 

Three dollars and a half. 



*' Lord bless my eyes !'' says John, "but you 

Have got a mighty cheek." 
" Why sir,li at home,- for that sum,' I 

Could almost board a T week." 
He left, and strolling down the street, 

Came to the Brandreth House, 
Whose wondrous size, and well kept look, 

His fancy 4 did_arouse. 



A VISIT TO NIAGARA. 17 



u I wonder now," our Hero said, 

" What they would charge per day ; 
Three dollars and a half, that scrub 

Would have a fellow pay; 
If board in such a place as yon, 

Is worth that sum, why then 
The tariff at this stylish place, 

Should sure be all of Ten." 



Says he then to himself, " I think 

I'll go and ask for fun." 
So in he went, for 'twas with him 

No sooner said than done, 
But " muchly" he was taken back^ 

And great was his surprise, 
Confounded at the bear " idee," 

And thunderstruck likewise. 



The clerk, a gentlemanly chap, 

Our Hero's question heard, 
" 'Tis by the day a dollar, sir," 

This was his very word. 
John thought he had not heard aright 

So asked the clerk again, 
And found to his unfeigned delight, 

The fact was true and plain. 



IS A VISIT TO NIAGARA. 



" By jmgo ! ; said our Hero then, 

4i I think I'd better stay, 
For board so cheap, I have not seec 

I cannot tell the day. 
Good gracious ! if the Cataract, 

And Fulton's Hotel too, 
Would only follow up this plan, 

"What business they|night do V 9 



Well, supper time came on apace, 

And John quite hungry grew, 
So thought he'd seek the Dining-room, 

And put the victuals through ; 
He found the place, began to eat, 

Got just whate'er he wished,. 
He did the supper justice, just, 

And many dishes, dished. 



So when he thought he'd ate enough, 

And felt quite well indeed, 
He thought he'd take a tramp around, 

To settle down his feed, 
But when he reached the door was stopp< 

Politely, by a man, 
To find the House was kept upon, 

The "European Plan." 



A VISIT TO NIAGARA. 19 



Some may Dot know what this may be, 

And such I will enlight ; 
'Tis pay for what you eat and drink, 

Your dollar's for the night ; 
Well John of course could not demur. 

So paid his little bill ; 
Then out, to "do" the city went, 

As greenhorns always will. 



Down Broadway to the City Hall, — 

This was the course he took ; 
Then down among the printing Sts., 

He thought he' take a look ; 
Here, where the Papers issued are, 

Editions ev^ry hour, 
Is where the News-boys congregate, 

And's called the devil's bower. 



But growing late, he thought a trip 

To Wallack's he would take; 
Where he had heard, a Comic Play 

Did mirthfnlness awake ; 
He saw the artist, Emmet, there, 

Who made some pointed hits, 
Upon the immigration in 

Our German Cousin " Fritz." 



20 A VISIT TO NIAGAEA, 



He saw how poor way-farers, from 

The " Land beyond the sea," 
Were dealt with, when they reached this land 

Of wealth and liberty; 
But Fritz a hero proved himself — 

Ere many years had passed, 
Turned " miller," and a fortune made, 

And came out right at last. 



But Plays, like other things, must end ? 

So this was quickly o'er — 
Then out on Broadway with a rush, 

The folks began to pour ; 
But while the Play was going on, 

A storm had risen high, 
And now, in grand sublimity, 

The thunderbolts did fly. 



Sublime, no doubt, but just to John, 

Who had his best clothes on, 
He, doubtless, better had been pleased, 

Had it been passed and gone ; 
The thunder roared, the lightning flashed^ 

The torrents poured- — " you betP' 
And John, poor devil, in a wink, 

Got most sublimely wet. 



A VISIT TO NIAGARA. 21 



And as he didn't drink, you know, 

Some solace there he lacked, 
The bad effects of getting wet, 

He couldn't counteract ; 
For by some queer contrariness, 

'Tmay seem to you and I, 
Some dry themselves "Kith drink when wet, 

And drink when they are dry. 



But now our Hero went to bed, 

Quite tired and sleepy too , 
Dreampt wondrous dreams, of what upon 

The morrow he would do — 
Next morning he was up, — though not 

Exactly with the lark — 
And after breakfast, took a stroll 

To see the "Central Park." 



Great Central Park ! ah ! well indeed, 

May folks be proud of thee ! 
Thy pleasant rambles, and thy walks, 

Are fraught with witchery. 
No European city, grand, 

Can match thy beauties rare ; 
Thy lovely bowers, and sylvan shades^ 

Wo ne'er can meet with there, 



22 A VISIT TO NIAGARA. 



New York may boast of countless wealth ; 

Of millionaires in scores, 
And point with pride unto her wharves, 

Her shipping and her shores — 
Eat all as nothing do they count, 

Unto the Poet's mind — 
'Tis all but dross, till in thy shade, 

True riches he doth find. 



Thus in a world-forgetting strain, 

Our Hero mused, as he 
Meandered mid the sylvan wealth, 

And sylvan witchery ; 
Here, where no sound of busy life 

Disturbs the resting ear, 
Enchantment seems to reign supreme, 

No harsh discordance near. 



The "Arbor!" — well 'tis rightly named, 

Its clinging vines around 
So softly stirred, by gentlest breezes, 

And trailing on the ground, 
Bear to oar minds an emblem, of 

What woman's love may be, 
And is, if we by Poet's judge, 

l4 True clinging frailitie." 



A VISIT TO NIAGARA. 23 



Clinging, 'tis said — well, yes, just there, 

Poets and I agree ; 
They cling enough, that, goodness knows ; 

In fact too much for rne. 
I've heard it said, that woman's love 

Of tenderness is born ; 
"And like the ivy to the oak, 

Clings closest in the storm." 



Well that may be, I'll not dispute, 

Though I am not so tuned ; 
I think, in fact, the more they cling, 

Why just the more we're ruined ; 
Now if some sweet, bewitching maid 

Should chance to read this note, 
Mayhap she'd like with force to twist 

A rope around my throat. 



But bless you ! ladies, save your wrath — ■ 

I didn't mean a word. 
In writing, I'm like some folks, who 

Keep talking to be heard ; 
And though you may our fortunes break, 

And cause us heartaches sore, 
And spend the cash with spareless hand, 

We'll love you all the more. 



24 A YISIT TO NIAGARA. 



For who, in wild delirium's hour, 

Can smooth the fevered brow 
With hand so soft, and gentle touch. 

Ah ! woman, none but thou ! 
But here T go, confound the luck, 

At sentiment asrain ! 
I'm like a car that's off the track, 

For I am off the strain. 



So back again, I'll go as fast 

As ever I can go ; 
And some queer things, the which befell 

Our Hero, try to show. 
He slept quite sound last night, I ween 

That fact you need not doubt^ 
For with his love and anger, he 

Was just about played out. 



So he arose refreshed, indeed, 

And feeling better quite ; 
But still the mem'ry of that maid 

Held to his fancy tight. 
Ah ! memory, thou art truer far, 

Than ever one would deem — 
Things lost to view within thy cells, 

Still fresh and green doth seem ! 



A VISIT TO NIAGARA. 25 



A single smile, a-simple word, 

By friend all thoughtless given, 
Thou holdest long, nor can it from 

Thy truthful trust be driven ; 
A harsh rebuke, perchance, may seem 

To pass unheeded by ; 
But long, within thy inmost depths. 

Twill like a canker lie. 



Then take ye heed, ye thoughtless ones, 

And give no harsh word forth ; 
A gentle word will nothing cost, 

And sure will prove more worth ; 
Remember, that whatever you give, 

For cause of joy or pain, 
In just such measure as ye mete, 

'Twill meted be again 



But now, our Hero on his tramp, 

We'll lollow at our ease ; 
We may find something to instruct, 

Or something that may please. 
The Central Park he strolled around. 

Admired its beauties rare, 
Its little cascades, lakes and rills, 

Of which it hath its share. 



26 A YISIT TO NIAGAEA. 



Now here, one small digression more, 

I pray that you'll permit — 
The scene reminds me of an one, 

Which I shall ne'er forget, 
'Tis where Niagara in its might, 

Its cliffs of grandeur show ; 
Where switt its waters rushing on, 

Forever, ceaseless, ilow. 



Here, in my youth — at sixteen, say, 

I deeply fell m love 
With one, who in my heart I thought 

An angel from above. 
I loved her, with a love which I 

Considered true and pure ; 
Which like the mountains of the earth, 

Forever might endure. 



Though she a little older was, 

Than I, a beardless youth, 
I offered her my heart and hand, 

And did it, too, in truth ; 
She didn't laugh, but softly said 

In words which my heart wrung, 
*'No doubt you mean just what you say, 

But Johnnie, you're too young," 



A VISIT TO NIAGARA. 27 



This damped my ardor, but for all 

I didn't quite despair ; 
For women of sweet coaxing like^ 

In fact a goodly share. 
Bat when I very urgent grew, 

And sore my suit did press, 
She gave me as an answer, what 

Made greater my distress* 



She said my answer I should find 

In Samuel 2nd part, 
Tenth Chapter, and in verse the fifth. 

I found what broke my heart, 
Which was, "Until yoar beard be grown 

Tarry at Jericho.*' 
How, don't you wonder how I e'er 

Withstood that dreadful blow? 



Well, but I did, and oft 5 again 

Engaged in Cupid's war ; 
Sometimes successful, and sometimes 

Received on heart a scar, 
But as I don't intend this book, 

Shall of my doings treat , 
We'll move along and follow John, 

As he goes down the street* 



28 A VISIT TO NIAGARA. 



Down Broadway, then down Liberty 

To Greenwich thoroughfare, 
To view a rail road set on stilts 

For travel in the air; 
He found that on account of some 

Sad accidents of late, 
The railway, for the present, was 

Abandoned to its fate. 



So, as he couldn't travel up, 

He thought he'd travel down, 
And fell into a lottery pit, 

Like any country clown , 
He had a sort of greenish look, 

Which "Cappy" soon discerned. 
Who straightway laid a trap to wir* 

The money John had earned. 



In came a tall, slim-looking chap, 
Who, wonder-struck, did gaze 

Upon the shelves and counter, which 
With gold were all ablaze ; 

The clerk, polite as one could wish, 
Low bowed, and smiling said, 

"Now is the time to try your luck, 



Take hold and go ahead." 



A VISIT TO NIAGARA. 29 



"Here gold and silver watches are, 

I might say thrown away ; 
Rich jewelry, of the finest kind 

And nothing bat fair play." 
The slim man laid a dollar down, 

And gave the dice a fling, 
And drew— could he believe his eyes ? 

A cluster diamond ring. 



He tried again, his luck was good, 

A silver watch he drew ; 
He still kept throwing, and his luck 

Each time still better grew ; 
Gold coins and watches, rings and chains, 

Pie took at every hitch, — 
John said, "at this rate, you, my friend, 

Will soon be getting rich." 



He smiled; an^ said$ "Well, so it seems$ 

But then, I'm not a hog, 
Just take a chance, and see if you 

Are such a lucky dog." 
John said, "Oh, no ! I would not break 

Your luck in such a wav ; 
You're doing well, pray, go ahead, 

The business seems to pay." 



30 A VISIT TO NIAGARA. 



But no, the tall, slim-looking man 

Thought he had won enough, 
And said he didn't want to use 

The firm so deuced rough* 
To importune our Hero then, 

The clerk did soon begin ; 
"But no," said John, "your game, my friend 

>S a little bit too thin." 



The clerk and capper both chagrined, 

Had not a word to say, 
Except those two emphatic ones, 

Which simply were, '''good day" 
But which, to one who in his life 

Had traveled some about, 
Might be interpreted to mean, 

"You dirty dog, git out." 



John, knowing that discretion was 

Firm valor's better part, 
Got up the dirty steps in style, 

That might be counted smart ; 
He turned up " Liberty" again, 

And here a place passed by, 
Where sat a little sickly girl 

With wistful pleading eye* 



A YISIT TO NIAGARA. 31 



Her story ran a little thus : 

When our cruel war was o'er, 
And treason had its death blow felt, 

From shore to distant shore, 
Some rascals, to all pit} T dead, 

Had ruthlessly deprived 
Her mother of the means, from which 

Her living she derived. 



And now, her health had left her too, 

And she at death's door lay, 
Dependant on her little girl, 

For bread from day to day. 
The story touched our Hero's heart, 

So sad was her appeal ; 
He gave a dollar, and for this 

Small act did better feel. 



Perchance the story was all false, 

Yet, may be, it was true; 
Far better lose a dollar, than 

Do that, the which we'd rue. 
A little gift in time of need, 

A recompense may gain 
Of prayers, which we may not feel 

Yet may not be in vain. 



32 A VISIT TO NIAGARA, 



Oh, speak not harsh unto the poor, 

vVho daily beg their bread ; 
For lite is sad enough to those, 

Who cold and hunger dread. 
A kindly word is never lost, 

Though it unheeded fall ; 
Tho' words and smiles may nothing coat, 

They may an answer call. 



Oh, give ye then, unto the poor 

A kindly word and smile [; 
Sad, gloomy thoughts they may dispel, 

And cheer a heart the while ; 
A burdened soul may sigh and sink 

Beneath a load of grief; 
And wealth might fail, where kindly words 

Would bring a calm relief. 



Oh ! little know ye of the power. 

Te daily cast aside, 
Who harshly scorn the supplicant, 

And all his woes deride ; 
Oh ! if ye have not wealth to give, 

Give what you have the while ; 
*Tis something that you cannot miss, 

A kindly word and smile. 



A VISIT TO NIAGARA. 33 



But as the folky in business say, 

" Quick sales and profits small ;" 
To keep this Canto longer on 

The stocks, wont do at all. 
And wishing John a good night's rest, 

We'll bid to him adieu : 
In hopes to meet again r upon 

The " Vanderbilt" or " Drew." 



END OF CANTO I. 



CANTO II. 



There's nought but care onev'ry han; 

In ev'ry hour that passes, O ; J 
What signifies the life o' man 

An' twa na for the lasses, O? 



The warly race may riches chase 
An' riches still may fly them, 0$ 

An' tho' at last they catch them fast, 
Their hearts can ne'er enjoy them, O. 



But gie me a cannie hour at e'en 
My arms about my dearie, O; 

An' warly cares an' warly men 
May a' gae tapsalteerie, 0. 



--Buhns* 



Another day— the afternoon 

Is wearing to a close ; 
John knows full well the boat for him 

To wait does not propose. 
He grabbed his luggage, and in haste, 

For Spring Street made a dash ; 
Played porter for himself, and there- 

By saved a little cash. 



36 A VISIT TO NIAGARA. 



He reached the dock, and just in time, 

The deck hands there he found 
Were throwing luggage in a style 

Which might be counted sound, 
But which would show to those who cai 

To keep their baggage long 
That trunks, valises and such things 

Could ne'er be made too strong. 



But seeing nothing there in which 

He any interest ha^, 
It did n't hurt his feelings much 

To see them used so bad. 
He found the boat on which he took 

His passage up, to be 
The " Vanderbiit," and just as staunch 

As he's proclaimed to be. 



Folks freely boast the wond'rous power 

Of this great Eailway King, 
And far from Democratic-like 

His quandam praises sing. 
A palace car is being built ; 

The builder, all aflame, 
With tho'ts of this great " thunderbolt," 

Must make it bear his name. 



a visit to Niagara. 37 



A new hotel is going up, 

And scarce ere it be done, 
The painter comes with paint and brush, 

As if for life he'd come. 
In haste he plasters o'er the front, 

Big letters, plain or gilt, 
To let folks know that this might be 

The house that Vmdev-hilt. 



A horse that never ran before, 

A country race may win ; 
His owner, in elation great, 

Thinks it would be a sin 
His pacer should not have a name, 

When other horses can ; 
And so the world is better, for 

Another lightning " Yan." 



Perhaps the mania soon will grow 

To such a great extent, 
That anything without a " Yan" 

Will not be worth a cent. 
And by-and-by, how oft, as we 

Along the street may go, 
That name may meet our eye and ear, 

The Lord alone may know. 



SS A VISIT TO NIAGARA. 



But Railway Kings, like other kings, 

Their power often lose ; 
And those who praise him loudest now, 

May just as loud abuse 
For some go up, while some come down, 

Dame Fortune is an elf, 
But as the veteran Tweed has said, 

" You know how 'tis yourself." 



But there, I think I've said enough ! 

Perhaps more than I should ; 
I scarce can hope my simple rhyme 

Will do a mite of good. 
So here the subject I will leave, 

And with my pen return 
Unto our Hero, and recite 

What new things he may learn. 



Well, 'mid the rush on board the boat 

For state rooms and the like ; 
He saw a lady striving hard 

To breast the human dyke 
And gain the office window, where 

Her passage she might pay , 
But still those " horrid masculines,'* 

Would push her far away. 



A VISIT TO NIAGARA. 39 



But John, just like a gallant chap, 

Gave helping hand in style ; 
For which, he from the lady won 

A sweet and thankful smile. 
And as the lady was quite fair, 

And seemed to be alone, 
He into conversation fell 

With rather friendly tone. 



I said the lady was quite fair, 

Now she was small as well ; 
So, cannot blame our Hero, if 

In love he quickly fell. 
I like small women, — but just why 

I'm sure I cannot say, 
Perhaps there is no reason— but 

I like them any way. 



The Lady and our Hero then 

Upon the upper deck, 
Watched New York, till as some lolks say , 

It grew into a speck. 
They chatted gaily of the scenes 

Which all around them lay ; 
John gave his name — she did the same, 

Her name was Jennie Grey. 



40 A VISIT TO NIAGARA. 



Sing-Sing! melodeous name indeed! 

Alas ! how sad a thing, 
To think upon the many there 

Who never care to sing ! 
Shut out, in fact, from all the world, 

Or ratherwise shut in, 
Because, perchance they killed some one — ■ 

As though that were a sin. 



If they had lived in times like these, 

"With things at such advance, 
With lawyers of the present day, 

They might have stood a chance ; 
And " momentarily insane," 

The verdict might have been, 
(Of course, what crazy people do, 

Cannot be called a sin.) 



The conversation still between 

Our Hero and Miss Grey, 
Was kept up as the boat went on, 

In rather lively way. 
It seems Miss Grey had traveled some, 

And read a great deal too, 
And had a fascinating way 

Of telling what she knew. 



A VISIT TO NIAGARA. 41 



John did his best to hold his own, 

And spoke and smiled by turns, — 
Grew rapt'rous and to quoting took, 

From Byron, Moore and Burns; 
He even went so far as to 

Recite some of his own, 
And much surprised himself, to see 

How eloquent he'd grown. 



By this time they had reached West Point; 

The cradle where were rocked 
Some of the great war intellects, 

Which proud Rebellion shocked. 
Here, in the Nation's school of war, 

Our youthful heroes learn 
That science dread, which yet for them, 

Undying fame may earn. 



Yet is it fair, I ask, that they, 

Whose fathers nobly fought 
For that which to the Contraband 

His long sought freedom brought, 
Should banish from their ranks, in scorn, 

One who may loyal be, 
Because his blood, from Afric's tint, 

May not be wholly tree? 



42 A VISIT TO NIAGAKA, 



I hold that such things should not be, 

Though no dispute I'd wake ; 
Yet less than this has often put 

A Nation's weal at stake, 
And trifling though the matter seem 

'Tis fraught with weal or woe , 
A Nation's tooting may be lost, 

Through stepping on a toe. 



But let that go, sometime, perchance, 

In Democratic range, 
The order of these little things 

May undergo a change. 
But thoughts like these could scarce engross 

Our youthful Hero's mind. 
For he in mystic love's sweet charms, 

Had left such thoughts behind. 



Oh! ye who never felt the power. 

Of that most potent charm, 
Can scarcely know the weight it wields 

For mighty good or harm ! 
Oh ! would ye learn, ye skeptical, 

Love's mighty mystic power, 
Just up the Hudson take a trip 

At twilight's witching hour I 



A VISIT TO NIAUARA. 43 



While through the west the golden beams, 

Resplendent from the sun, 
Send all their amber glory up 

To say the day is done, 
Have by your side a youthful maid, 

Both fair o? face and form, 
I pledge you that the power of love 

Full soon your heart will warm. 



But John, whose heart for love you know 

Was aye a tender seat, 
'Neath glances sweet from Jennie Gray, 

Flew up to fever heat. 
In fact, I really think he lost 

The little sense he had, 
And, it the trip a thousand miles 

Had been, he'd sure been glad. 



The hours unheeded passed along, 

All free from gloom or care, 
For what could mar a scene like tliis I 

Alas ! that joy's so rare ! 
Wiry cannot pleasure always last, 

Why cometh sorrow's tear? 
Alas 1 why should misfortune fall 

On man from year to year $ 



44 A VISIT TO NIAGARA. 



"Man lives to mourn" alas I how true ! 

His life a simple breath, 
He comes and goes, he knows not how, 

? Tis simply life and death. 
Oh I vain and futile all the strife 

For worldly wealth and fame ; 
^Tis folly sure, to strive for what 

At best is but a name. 



Oh! could mankind the warning heed, 

Of millions gone before, 
How better far the retrospect 

Would be when life is o'er ! 
But so it has been from the first, 

And doubtless so 'twill be, 
Till chaos holds again the sway 

O'er lifeless land and sea. 



"But whither would my fancy go"? — - 

This moralizing strain 
Is rather foreign to my way ; 

I'll to my tale again, 
And tell how John, as they drew near 

To Albany, flew round 
Until the countless packages, 

Which Jennie had, were found. 



A VISIT TO NIAGARA. 45 



How Jennie grew profuse with thanks. 

As faster still he flew, 
And wondered, if 'twere not for him, 

How ever she'd got through. 
Her silv'ry words soft rippling o'er 

Her lips of cherry red, 
Were pure enchantment, and enough 

To turn our Hero's head. 



And as the Boat was tying up, 

And crowds began to press, 
John threw his arm around her, And — 

Could any one do less ? 
He gathered all her parcels up, — 

A dozen, less or more, — 
And, like a pack mule o'er the plank, 

Made way to gain the shore. 



"Now here," says Jennie, "we must part, 

But you I'll ne'er forget, 
And always bear in mem'ry fond 

The pleasant day we met." 
"With beating heart John then did say, 

"Let me the pleasure take 
Of seeing you in safety home, — 

E'en for that meeting sake." 



AYISJLT TO NIAGARA. 



"Oh ! no ! to thus intrude upon 

Your time it is not meet ; 
Besides, there is my husband, now, 

Just coming down the street." 
"Your husband !"-"yes; why not" ?-"oh1— ah ! 

That is ! — ahem ! — good day ! 
I can't conveniently assist ; 

I haven't time to stay." 



Then round the corner, down the street, 

He quick did disappear; 
While still in silvery cadence sweet, 

Her laugh rang in his ear, 
Poor John ! alas ! alas ! poor John! 

His luck seems out of joint; 
For every pleasure that he meets 

Is sure to disappoint. 



He gained the depot just in time 

To take the Western train ; 
While in his heart he swore no more 

In love to fall again. 
But foolish youth ! he little knew 

How wayward is the heart, 
Which, "homeopathic-like," doth try 

To cure a smart with smart 



A VISIT TO NIAGARA. 47 



And so, ere he had been an hour 

Upon his westward way, 
A pair of eyes of midnight hue, 

Their batteries had at play. 
Yet not the eyes alone made war, 

For features aided them, 
O'er which a sculptor might go mad 5 

A Poet wildly dream. 



But hark ! what cry is that so wild 

That it unearthly seems ? 
The brakemen rush unto their posts, 

The engine shrieks and screams, 
Folks run to window and to door, 

Confused and in alarm, 
Filled with a wild dread undefined 

Ot some impending harm. 



A moment's halt, then on its way 

The train again is bound, 
But still there lingers in the ear 

That wild unearthly sound. 
And words of pity, spoken low, 

On every side are heard ; 
But John sees only one fair form, 

And hears alone her word. 



48 A VISIT TO NIAGARA. 



She takes her seat with haughty mien, 

'Mid looks enquiring cast, 
And answers, cold and unconcerned 

While questions round are passed, 
"Only a dirty laborer 

Has had his leg cut off." 
God ! — how scornful was the tone ! 

How well attuned to scoff! 



Only a dirty laborer ! 

What matter for his life, 
His children crying mournfully, 

His sorrow stricken wife ? 
She is a queen of fashion, 

On fashion's sea afloat ; 
He is a dirty laborer, 

Unworthy of her note. 



Only a dirty laborer ! 

A plebeian, poor, untaught 
Only a dirty laborer ! 

Unworthy of a thought. 
From henceforth all unable 

To win his daily bread — 
Not even a dirty loborer — 

Better that he were detd. 



A VISIT TO NIAGARA. 49 



Yet was he a dirty laborer, 

To that sorrow-stricken wife? 
He whose tender words and smiles, 

Had lessened cares of life ? 
A kind and loving husband, 

Bringing sunshine to his door, 
Was he a dirty laborer? 

Just that, and nothing more.? 



Was he a dirty laborer, 

To the children crying low, 
Loving and kind and tender, 

Watching them upward grow? 
Ever a loving father^ 

Leading them up life's way, 
Was he a dirty laborer, 

Think you, to them to day ? 



Was he a dirty laborer, 

To God who rules above, 
Whose every thought is goodness, 

Whose every word is Love ? 
When he gathers his precious jewels 

Now scattered far and wide, 
Because he's a dirty laborer, 

Will one be cast aside,? 



50 A VISIT TO NIAGARA 



Well, I am not judge of actions, 

I have no word to say ; 
But John, whom I'd most forgotten, 

And I, felt alike that day ; 
And, being so mad that he then 

From swearing scarce could keep* 
He kicked up the cushion endways, 

Laid down and went to sleep. 



How long he slept he knew not, 

But near the close of day, 
The Conductor woke him up and 

Took his ticket away. 
And he knew that he was nearing 

The place he came to view ; 
And he shook himself like Samson 

For strength to see him through. 



But hark ! what is that rumbling sound, 

That dreadful deaf 'ning roar ! 
Is that the noise the waters make 

As o'er the Falls they pour ! 
The train has stopped, John rushes forth 

Amid the deaf 'ning shout, 
To find that it is nothing but 

The porters calling out, 



A VISIT TO NIAGARA. 51 



u This way for the International !" 

" Pass in your checks to me !" 
u . Go to the Cataract, if you'd like 

The Falls with ease to see !" 
" Pass right through to the Spencer House !" 

" Niagara House this way !" 
Each yelling, as if each would drown 

What each one had to say. 



But John concluded not to ride, 

So through the depot ran ; 
And here, alas ! poor foolish youth 5 

His troubles just began. 
For ere he steps upon the walk 

A score of hackmen call, 
" Jump in ! 'twill only cost five cents 

To ride down to the Fall." 



Twas easy seen that John was green, 

They pounced upon their prey, 
They gathered round him by the score, 

Thus blocking up the way. 
And like a pack of wolves that snap 

And haggle o'er a bone, 
Each strove to carry off the "seed," 

Each claimed him as his own. 



52 A VISIT TO NIAGABA. 



They called each other robbers, thieves, 

And rogues and liars, too ; 
It was a shame to hear such names, 

I hope they were not true. 
They swore so much, and swore so loud, 

As each his tongue-lash plied, 
The very air grew sulph'rous, and 

Poor John grew terrified. 



He saw an opening in the crowd, 

The way before was plain ; 
So thro' the gap and down the street, 

He dashed with might and main. 
His hat fell off, his coat tail spread, 

I vow 'twas like a fan, 
And u Gilpin's Ride" was nothing to 

The way our Hero ran. 



An urchin on the street cried out, 

" Mad dog !" and " clear the way !" 
A hundred tongues took up the cry; 

The devil was to pay. 
But John, unheeding, passed along 

And reached the Ferry Grove, 
And there beneath a tree sank down, 

With scarcely strength to move. 



A YISIT TO NIAGARA. 53 



And there belay till eventide ; 

Then through the busy town, 
He sought a place of lodging 

And gulped his supper down. 
Then dragged his weary form to bed, 

More tired than he'd been yet, 
While nightmare hackmen by the score, 

His peaceful rest upset. 



END OF CANTO IL 



CANTO III. 



Clown — Have I not told thee how I was 
cozened by the way, and lost 
all my money ? 

Autolycus — And, indeed, sir, there are 
cozeners abroad, therefore 
it behooves one to be wary. 



-Shakespeare. 



Winter's Tale, Act IV , Scene III. 



Up in the morning early 

Ere day was well begun, 
John started forth to see the sights 

E'en with the rising sun. 
But early though he took the road 

A "hack" was there as well ; 
And long the driver followed him 

And great things he did tell. 



50 A VISIT TO NIAGARA. 



He said to John that he would show 

To him a view full rare 
For five cents, and the trip should be 

Made in that carriage there. 
John thought that that was cheap enough 

And therefore did agree; 
He jumped into the hack and down 

That rare sight went to see. 



John said I don't see how, my friend, 

You make this business pay, 
To live at all you surely must 

Make many trips a day , 
Or else for making money you 

Must have some other ways. 
The driver smiled a queerish smile 

And simply said, it pays. 



By this time they had reached a place 

Where rainbows could be seen 
Which in the early morning were 

Full beautiful I ween ; 
John gazed with admiration deep 

Upon the rapids grand, 
Which up in seeming merriment 

Leapt high on every hand. 



A VISTT TO NIAGARA. 57 



The driver broke John's rapture up 

By asking him if he 
Would like to see the Falls in all 

Their mighty majesty. 
He said no good view could be had 

Unless they went around / 
But there grand beauty unexcelled 

Could easily be found. 



John said " all right, we'll drive around, 

I came the Falls to view, 
And hang me if I don't intend 

To see the whole thing through." 
Poor foolish youth, his verdancy 

Would make a cynic laugh, 
Most anyone would be content 

With seeing less than half. 



But round they went and o'er the Bridge 

And into Canada ; 
I'll guarantee John ne'er forgets 

The trip he made that day. 
And here allow me to remark 

This game is often played, 
They call it " turning, " and God heljj 

You when that " turn " is made. 



A VISIT TO NIAGARA. 



They cross the Bridge then down the bank 

The Table Rock to view, 
And here is where the u Native Sharks" 

Commence to "put you through." 
Ere John had from the carriage stepped 

A chap came out to know 
If he would like a picture of 

Himself and Falls also. 



John asked the price, but not a word 

Could he get in reply, 
But round about with plates prepared 

The operators fly; 
And in a twinkling they turn out 

A sight would make you laugh, 
For which they tax poor simple John 

Four dollars and a half. 



Into the Table Rock House next 

Poor John is soon betrayed, 
And there they put him through as if 

The devil lent his aid; 
They show him Indian relics which 

The Indians never saw; 
John buys a lot of things for which 

He does not care a straw. 



A VISIT TO NIAGARA. 59 



Johu begs the driver to depart 

Ere he be ruined quite, 
But ere a dozen rods are made 

He's doomed' to re-alight. 
And now the u Museum " minions 

Around him quickly swarm, 
And ere he's well upon his feet 

He's dragged in by the arm. 



They wrap him up in oilcloth robes 

Ere he be well aware, 
And o'er the street they hurry him 

To take him down the stair; 
John grabbed the railing and in words 

By desperation lent, 
Demanded of his captors grim 

What they in thunder meant ? 



They told him they were taking him 

Behind the waterfall, 
And that the way was easy and 

Not dangerous at all. 
Still hanging on he asked how much 

For this he'd have to pay ; 
<■ Just give the guide whate'er you wish. 

That is the gen'ral way." 



60 A VISIT TO NIAGARA 



So John let go and followed them 

Along the winding way, 
But little worth for money spent 

Did he get there that day. 
His feet got wet, his boots got spoilt. 

Likewise his collar too, 
He gave the guides each fifty cents 

To see that humbug view. 



Then through the Museum he is led 

And all the wonders shown, 
Gathered from every spot on earth 

From every land that's known. 
They lead him through the office then 

As butchers lead a calf, 
And when he starts to go they say 

Two dollars and a half. 



" Two dollars and a half," says John, 

u Good gracious ! what for now ? 
I haven't bought a single thing 

I'm sure you will allow." 
" Two dollars of the sum is for 

Your trip behind the sheet, 
And fifty cents the Museum through 

Just makes the sum complete." 



A VISIT TO NIAGARA. 61 



" Oh but," says John, "I paid the guides, 

I cannot pay you twice." 
t; That's nought to us," the "shark" replies, 

" 'Two dollars is our price." 
" Tis robbery I swear," says John, 

''I'll pay it if I must, 
Of all the 'beats' that ever beat, 

You beat the very worst." 



Then to the Battie Ground he went, 
- The Burning Spring as well, 
Another dollar from his purse, 

Which now had lost its swell. 
The forenoon now was well nigh gone 

And John had hungry grown, 
His watch proclaimed this certain fact 

Five hours had nearly flown. 



Then homeward they in haste did drive, 

They landed safe and sound; 
John searched his pockets through and soon 

A five cent piece he found; 
Then to the driver he did hand 

That five cent nickel piece; 
The driver took it — turned it o'er, 

And said " pray what is this?" 



62 A VISIT TO NIAGAKA. 



" Why that is for the ride" said John, 
" The bargain was, you know, 

The Falls and all the views around 
For five cents you would show." 

" Five cents be d— d," the driver said, 
" I guess I'll make you sneeze, 
Perhaps you take me for a "flat;" 
Ten dollars if you please." 



" Oh Lord !" says John, "you heartless wretchl 

I ne'er was used so sore, 
You saw me robbed along the way 

A dozen times or mure, 
But ne'er a warning you did give, 

No word for me you had, 
And now you rob me worst of all, 

This really is too bad." 



" I saw you robbed along the way ?" 

" Well, yes," the driver said, 
" But why should I give warning when 

I got the half you paid. 
I did n't care a cuss so long 

'S your pocket book held out, 
If I had seen it running low 

You bet I'd turned about." 



A VISIT TO NIAGARA. 63 



" But don't imagine that I take 

A cent more than is right, 
The law allows me what I ask 

I don't o'ercharge a mite, 
Here are (established by the law) 

Our latest rates of fare, 
Just read them o'er and you will find 

My charge is fair and square.' 1 



John pulled his pocket-book out slow 

And laid the money down, 
"From this time I will ride no more 

While I am in the town." 
Then off to dinner he did go 

Which was made ready soon, 
Then by himself he strolled away 

To spend the afternoon. 



I said our Hero swore that he 

No more would ride again, 
But ere he'd traveled many rods 

It proved his oath was vain ; 
A driver stopped him on the way 

And offered to convey 
Him round Goat Island for the which 

Two dollars he should pay. 



64 A VISIT TO NIAGARA. 



The day was very warm and John 

Concluded he would ride, 
So o'er the Bridge he soon was whirled 

And down the Island side, 
At Luna Island first they stopped, 

A wondrous sight I ween, 
For here whene'er the moon is full 

The "Lunar Bow " is seen. 



And here our Hero met with some 

Of that fast fading race, 
The remnant of an Indian tribe 

Who dwell near-by this place. 
Alas ! poor Tuscaroras ! you 

Will soon be swept away, 
E'en now the White Man till the graves 

Where erst your Chieftains lay. 



I heard one of these Natives sing 

A song most mournfully, 
Some other poet heard it and 

Translated it for me. 
I wish that I could give his name 

It ought to live full long, 
But as I cannot give you that 

I'll give you this, 



A YISIT TO NIAGARA. 65 



The Song ! 
Alas! said an Indian, 
I once had a home, 
And a fair forest field 
Where the wild deer could roam, 
Where the Sachems could feast 
On a festival day; 
But the steel of the White Man 
Hath swept them away, 
Hath swept them away. 

I once had a Father 
The guide of my youth, 
And a Mother who taught me 
The precepts of truth, 
But their spirits have vanished 
And cold is their clay, 
For the steel of the White Man 
Hath swept them away, 
Hath swept them away. 

I once had a Sister 
The pride of the vale, 
And a Brother whose features 
Were rugged and hale, 
Who oft-times would join me 
Id innocent play. 
But the steel of the White Man 
Hath swept them away, 
Hath swept them away. 



66 A VISIT TO NIAGAKA 



I once loved a Maiden 
But where is she now ? 
The cold damps of death 
Have long since laid her low ; 
Her home, friends and kindred 
Have fallen a prey, 
And the steel of the White Man 
Hath swept them away, 
Hath swept them away. 

And I stand alone now 
The last of my race, 
On this earth I find I 
Have no more a place, 
Since all that I cherished 
Have fallen a prey. 
And the steel of the White Man 
Hath swept them away, 
Hath swept them away. 

And I soon must follow 
The "Great Spirit" will call 
Me away to yon Land 
Where the brave never fall ; 
To yon far distant shore 
To yon fair forest shade 
Where the steel of the White Mao 
Can never invade, 
Can never invade. 



A VISIT TO NIAGARA.. 67 



Ah Noble Savage ! true, too true ! 

The ruthless steel is driven; 
Still onward strides the giant power 

'Gainst which you've vainly striven ; 
And still they sweep you from their path, 

And still yoa lose your sway, 
While westward still the blazing star 

Of Empire takes its way. 



But there, I swear, and do declare, 

I'm at my tricks again, 
I wonder why I can't run by 

That sentimental vein ; 
I'm bowling on at Dexter speed, 

A sentiment will glow, 
I look, enquire, and in the mire 

Heels over head I go. 



But do not doubt, nor at me scout, 

Nor think this vain pretence, 
I'll run this Canto out without 

Another word of sense. 
And so from Luna Island now — 

The course our Hero finds — 
We'll take a ten rod step and see 

The great "Cave of the Winds." 



68 A VISIT TO NIAGARA. 



Here John was quiet politely asked 

If he would like to view 
The wonders of this wondrous Cave 

And make the journey through , 
It crossed his mind that here he had 

Another humbug found, 
And thought a dollar and a half 

Too much for being" drowned. 



But just as he was making up 

His mind to let it slip, 
A party came along that seemed 

Determined on the trip. 
Four ladies and two gentlemen 

Appeared to him not fair ; 
So quick made up his mind that he 

The trip with them would share. 



In jolly rigs of jolly make 

They soon were dressed complete, 
While moccasins of dainty shape 

Encased their dainty feet; 
The Guide came forward — made his bow, 

Then downward led the way, 
Where soon Niagara in her mirth 

Baptised them with her spray* 



A VISIT TO NIAGAKA 69 



The Guide arranged them at the Cave 

A Lady to each Gent, 
Then down into the mighty pit 

With wary feet they went; 
Oh how the wind did rush and roar ! 

And how the spray did dash ! 
It seemed as tho' the earth had split; 

An endless, deaf 'ning crash. 



Just as tho' ten million minions 

Of Hades on a drunk, 
Were rolling down iDto the pit 

A mountain, chunk by chunk. 
Or just as tho' the mighty whole 

Great Alpine avalanche, 
Had left its native mountain tops, 

Down sliding into France. 



The Guide still onward led the way, 

Each Gent the outside took, 
While Boreas in his wanton glee 

Their regimentals shook. 
The Lady whom John had in charge 

Was just a little sprite, 
A merry Water Nymph, John said, 

That nothing could affright. 



70 A VISIT TO NIAGARA. 



And now they pass from out the Cave 

The two great Falls between; 
Such grandeur and sublimity 

Can nowhere else be seen; 
On right and left, the mighty walls 

Of water falling down, 
In front, the sombre granite cliff 

O'erhanging like a frown. 



Behind, the river foaming white, 

In fury wildly dashed, 
High leaping 'gainst the rocks which it 

For centuries has washed ; 
While round them flies the crystal spray, 

And o'er that mystic gown 
Hangs with ten millions jewels set, 

Niagara's Rain Bow Crown. 



They stand in reverential awe 

Within that circle grand, 
And gaze upon the Master Work 

Of a mighty Master Hand. 
Then down the path in single file 

Unto the river side, 
Where panoramic like, the view 

Spreads out full far and wide. 



A VISIT TO NIAGARA. 71 



There, on a rock, the which the Guide 

By name Jarohntou calls, 
They view (where only can be viewed) 

The glory of the Falls ; 
And, as they gaze, they wonder how 

Dame Nature could have got 
So much of beauty so sublime 

All centered in one spot ? 



John asked the Guide if that the rock 

On which they then did lean 
Had not an Indian name, and if 

He knew what it might mean ? 
The Guide replied it had, and that 

The meaning is, they say, 
Remember the Guide when on the bank 

Your bill you come to pay ! 



They said they would, and then the Guide 

Unto the water took, 
And went exploring "Sub-marine," 

In every hole and nook; 
And brought up for the Ladies there 

Such things as ne'er were seen, 
Pebbles White, and Purple Shells, 

And Mermaid's Tresses Green. 



72 A YISIT TO NIAGARA. 



Now John had learned the swimming art 

In INTarragansett Bay, 
So he ''turned turtle" with the best 

From off the rock that day. 
The others brought their Ladies' shells 

And pebbles by the quart, 
And he of course could not do else 

Than prove himself as smart. 



And so he dove while wonderstruck 

The native fishes fled, 
And once he for his Lady brought 

A "bump upon his head." 
But she declared that would not do, 

The merry little elf! 
And so he found her something else 

And took it home himself. 



Then o'er the Bridges, up the Bank, 

They press through misty rain, 
And all declare themselves well pleased 

And vow they'll go again ; 
And when once more in christian clothes 

They find themselves arrayed, 
The Guide for all his watchful care 

That day gets well repaid. 



A VISIT TO NIAGARA. 73 



And now, all ye who visit here, 

See all the other views, 
But never pass the Cave House by 

Nor to go through refuse. 
And if you should be pressed for time 

And but an hour should have, 
Why lay all other sights aside, 

And go and see the Cave. 



No imposition there you'll find, 

For all is fair and square, 
With everything in order kept 

And not a "runner" there. 
And if that visit yon should make 

And you are satisfied, 
Why, when you come to pay your bill, 

Pray don't forget the Guide. 



John found his carriage waiting still, 

So quickly to the Tower 
He hastened on, and at this place 

One well might spend an hour. 
For trembling on the very verge, 

Upheld by nought 'twould seem, 
The Tower stands, a monument 

To mighty work supreme. 



74 A VISIT TO NIAGAKA 



But John had lingered at the Cave 

The afternoon well through; 
And so he scarce had time to catch 

A glimpse oi this great view. 
So taking but a hasty look 

And getting scarce alighted, 
He hurried on to gaze upon 

"The Sisters Three United." 



That is the way 'tis put by one 

Who fain would be a Poet, 
Vide the "Buffalo Express," 

His merit it doth show it. 
But here one really does become 

Enamored of the scene, 
Three Islands from the Main One out, 

Three Cataracts between. 



Here years ago a single man 

At early morn would stray, 
To watch the rising of the sun 

And revel in the spray, 
Which rose and wreathed itself around 

The little cascade's brow; 
From which it seems to bear the name 

Of "Hermit's Cascade" now. 



A VISIT TO NIAGARA. 75 



But thirty years have changed the scene 

So wild and picturesque; 
And Nature now to Art gives way 

Withal by Art is blest, 
For o'er each little cataract 

A beauteous arch is thrown, 
And now the Sister Islands stand 

United, all as one. 



But as the afternoon is spent 

Our Hero thinks that he 
Unto the town will now return 

To see what he can see. 
And now it dawns upon his mind, 

That he had best prepare 
To hold the driver to his price, 

Nor from it budge a hair. 



And so two dollars he doth count, 

And when they reach the "standi 
He hastes to put the money in 

The driver's outstretched hand. 
The driver takes it, folds it up, 

In systematic way, 
And with a pleasant "Thank you, sir," 

He quickly drives away. 



76 A VISIT TO NIAGARA. 



To say that John was much surprised 

Would not be much to say, 
For this astonished him far more 

Than aught he'd seen that day; 
And plainly showed, tho' he at first 

'Mong rascal drivers fell, 
There are — tho' there be villaiDs here 

Some honest men as well. 



The supper o'er John thro' the town 

Began to wander round, 
And visit all the Indian Stores 

Where "notions" may be found. 
He went thro' twenty stores at least, 

Saw fifty maidens fair, 
But woe betide that visiting 

His money went like air. 



For in each store he visited 

Some new thing he would spy, 
The which, those "elfin, lairy clerks" 

Were sure to make him buy. 
They'd hover round him till at last 

He'd lose his senses quite, 
His tender heart could not say no, 

And thus they had him tight. 



A VISIT TO NIAGARA. Tl 



He bought — in every store he bought, 

His pockets he did fill. 
His hat, his handkerchief, his hands, 

He rilled and filled until, 
If it had been on Christmas Eve 

Each passer by would pause, 
And think for certain they had met 

Their childhood's Santa Claus. 



But longest night must have an end, 

No lane but sometime turns, 
And stores though multitudinous 

The last one he discerns. 
Then one more item to the pile, 

A climax to the dome, 
And groaning 'neath his mighty load 

At length he staggers home. 



And when he got into his room 

His cargo he unshipped, 
And overhauled his pocketbook 

To see how deep he'd dipped. 
That pocketbook when he left home 

He filled from out the Bank; 
But now, alas ! 'twas changed indeed 3 

And looked full lean and lank. 



78 A VISIT TO NIAGARA. 



And thus its fate he did bewail, 

a Ah noble pocketbook ! 
Within thy spacious folds of yore 

My Father oft did look. 
And oft have you been well puffed out, 

And oft have you been full, 
And oft the strap which binds you up 

I've seen my Father pull." 



"But never since my infancy 

Have you been half so thin, 
Thy sides have lost their fullness and 

Thy face has lost its grin. 
Thou lookest now as tho' some beast 

With elephantine tread; 
Had set his monstrous foot upon 

Thy poor defenceless head," 



" But, if I e'er get out of this, 

If ever I get home, 
I'll be content with filling thee 

And seek no more to roam. 
I've seen enough of travel now, 

I'll henceforth be content 
To leave the wonders of the world 

To those on travel bent. 



A TiSIT TO NIAGARA. 79 



And now as to his virtuous couch 

Our Hero doth retire, 
We'll say good night, put out the light, 

Hang up our unstrung lyre. 
Our Hero needs a good night's rest, 

No one could wish him less, 
This Canto's done, and I am glad, 

And, so are you- I guess. 



END OF CANTO III. 



CANTO IV. 



He went like one that hath been stunn'd. 
And is of sense forlorn : 
A sadder and a wiser man 
He rose the morrow morn. 

— COLEKIDGE. 



The Lunar Bow! ah, beautiful! 

Just there, why I'll give in, 
But 'mong the sights which I have seen 

With some it don't begin. 
And how, to me 'tis scarcely plain, 

It came to have such fame, 
To tell the truth, I really think 

There's something in a name. 



The monlight though is not so bad, 

'Tis fan to watch the u swells," 
And then the fun's so much enhanced, 

By reason of the "belles," 
For every maid whom you here see, 

Though plain as any gnome, 
Asserts in confidential way 

That she's the belle at home. 



82 A VISIT TO NIAGAKA 



Around the Isle at eventide, 

Ob, jolly ! ain't it fun ? 
The scorching rays of Sol are gone. 

The rush and bustle done. 
Here congregate the whole of all 

The pleasure seeking throng, 
And echoes loud along the shore 

The gleeful laugh and song. 



Kow, this is where our Hero with 

His own thoughts did commune, 
And strive to calm his troubled mind 

By converse with the moon. 
Oh ! may be I forgot to tell 

His trouble, and its cause, 
But, better late than never, still 

Is one of reason's laws. 



Then first and foremost I'll begin, 

'Twas in the afternoon, 
While strolling 'long the shore in quest 

Of sport, he found it soon. 
A damsel fair — yes, truly fair 

As one would wish to see, 
Unwitting any one was near, 

Went tripping merrily. 



A VISIT TO NIAGARA. 83 



She wore a — well, I don't know what, 

I s'pose it was a hat, 
But what the name, or style, or kind, 

No knowledge I've of that; 
But suffice it for me to say, 

The dainty thing she wore, 
Upon that memorable day 

Around Goat Island shore. 



But 'Boreas' ever fitful, wild, 

Hatched in his noddle there 
A scheme, by which he whipped away 

This hat into the air. 
"'Twas gone full twenty feet from shore, 

Kepining was in vain, 
ISTo flood of tears, no lengthened pray'r, 

Could bring it back again. 



She watched it with a woeful face 

As, dancing on a swell, 
With undulations, up and down 

It gently rose and fell; 
One moment near within her reach, 

Another, far away, 
It seemed with glee of actual life 

To tantalizing play. 



A VISIT TO NIAGARA. 



But John with faithful gallantry 

Soon to the rescue came, 
And though with some discomfort, won 

The right her praise to claim. 
He made a quick advance, and grasped 

The hat with movement neat, 
He gained the hat, — and something else. 

And that was two wet feet. 



He gave a sort of inward groan, 

And "blessed" his sad mischance, 
Then at the author of it all 

He gave a sidelong glance; 
Oh ! she was pretty as a peach, 

And just as blooming too; 
John lost his senses thro' that glance. 

And lost his heart anew. 



She smiled a sweet, bewitching smile, 

Expressed her sorrow sore, 
That she had been the cause of this 

Disaster on the shore ; 
That smile ! — ah ! what a power there is- 

In one sweet, simple smile, 
'Tis greater far than power of wealth ? 

Or avaricious wile. 



A VISIT TO NIAGARA. S5> 



She spoke, and thralled him with her voice, 

Her thanks he scarce did hear, 
The music seemed so ravishing 

Unto his love turned ear. 
He managed just to stammer forth 

Some senseless commonplace, 
He knew not what it was, nor cared, 

His soul was in his face. 



Well, being all alone, you see, 

They could n't help but talk, 
And John of course did nothing care 

How long she made the walk ; 
They wandered round the entire Isle, 

The sun was wearing low, 
She murmured something about Aunt, 

Said she must homeward go. 



John begged her leave to see her home, 

She couldn't well refuse, 
Of course she could if that she would, 

Perhaps she did n't choose. 
At any rate she gave consent, 

And John in glory was, 
But wished that he had Joshua's power, 

To bid the sun to pause. 



86 A VISIT TO NIAGARA. 



But knowing well that could not be, 

Though deeming it too bad, 
He thought he'd better make the most 

Of what short time he had; 
He praised the beauties of the Isle 

At sunset's gentle hour, 
And how the scene was more enhanced 

Beneath its witching power. 



He talked about the Lunar Bow, — " 

A th.ng he'd never seen, — 
For when he strove to gain a point, 

No bar could come between. 
Still, as he talked his heart was moved, 

More eloquent he grew, 
And pictures, soit with lunar light, 

With master hand he drew. 



So sweet a picture he did paint, 

She spoke with accents warm, 
"Oh, how delighted I should be 

Could I but own the charm ! 
But Aunt and Uncle, both, you see, 

Are growing rather old, 
And fear that in the evening air 

They might perchance take cold." 



A VISIT TO NIAGARA. 87 



c{ And having do acquaintance here, 

A stranger, I might say, 
I cannot view this lovely place 

Except by light of day. 
I know it must be lovely, and 

I very fain would see, 
But fear my wishes are in vain, 

And that it cannot be." 



Here was a chance, the which friend John 

Did instantly improve, 
Yet tried to hold his eagerness 

In check, so he might move 
Her to accept that which he now 

Unto her did propose, 
Yet feared the while, that she in him, 

Might not full faith repose. 



He kindly offered to escort 

Her round the Isle that eve, 
And boldly said that if she chose 

He'd ask her Uncle's leave; 
But this she rather feared, and said 

'Twould be as well, if he 
Would meet her where they met at first, 

And thus they did agree. 



88 A VISIT TO NIAGARA. 



So here our Hero did repair 

As in the first I said, 
And silent watched, and waited for 

The coming of the maid; 
An hour at least had come and gone, 

Yet not to him it brought 
The bright fulfillment of his dream, 

The maiden whom he sought. 



And this, the trouble was, of which 

I in the first place spoke- 
And tho J he watched and waited long, 

No step the silence broke; 
No step ? Oh, yes ! there plenty were, 

But they no form revealed 
Onto his waiting, weary heart, 

Which o'er him power did wield. 



Well, tired of walking, he at length 

Upon a stone sat down, 
The look expectant on his face 

Soon changed into a frown. 
He called himself a precious fool, 

And some such other name 
Which people angry with themselves 

Occasionally claim. 



A VISIT TO NIAGARA, 89 



"Confound that girl! why her I swear 

I've fooled away the eve, 
When well I knew to-morrow morn 

I shall be forced to leave; 
Hang all the women any way ! 

They never keep their word; 
They prate of being true till death, 

Was e'er such consense heard ?" 



But here his conscience gave a twinge, 
As mem'ry brought to mind 

The features of a country lass 

Whom he had left behind; 
And, as he thought of how for years 

She'd ever proved but true, 
His deeds of wilful faithlessness 

Seemed passing in review. 



" Ah, Betsy Jane ! dear Betsy Jane ! 

I've faithless been I know, 
I'm sure if you had made the trip 

You'd never served me so; 
I w ell remind the eve I left 

We lingered at the bars, 
And plighted o'er again our' troth, 
Beneath the twinkling stars." 



90 A VISIT TO NIAUAKA 



"I promised faithful to be true, 

In fact, I think I swore 
That thy sweet image in my heart 

Should live forevermore; 
And that no form however fair, 

Should for a moment hold 
The heart of him whose fate henceforth 

Should be bv thee controlled." 



''Such promises are easy made, 

And should be kept I know, 
But ev'ry heart, I iear, sometimes, 

Is prone to wand 'ring go. 
I know that such has been the case 

With me, since I left home, 
In proof of which I merely ask, 

Why don't that maiden come?" 



"By jingo ! every body's in, 

And doubtless gone to bed, 
I guess I'll follow up the plan, 

And take the way they've led. 
I'll take the train to-morrow morn r 

And back, I swear I'll go ! 
And all this foolish fancy, I 

Unto the winds will throw." 



A VISIT TO NIAGARA. 91 



Thus spoke our hero, but, alas ! 

I mourn indeed for him, 
His chance that night for peaceful rest 

To tell the truth was slim; 
He strove full hard to go to sleep, 

Yet lay awake to think, 
And in the morning rose to feel 

He hadn't slept a wink. 



He missed the cars, bnt didn't care, 

'Twould give him one chance more, 
He stared at every one he met 

And watched each Hotel door. 
He watched indeed, but watched in vain 

To gain of her a sight, 
He wished some one would hit him, so 

He'd have a cause to fight. 



He fooled around at such a rate 

The last train it had gone, 
Then woke to realize, that yet 

His visit was undone; 
So, as he'd nothing else to do, 

He thought an hour he'd while 
Away, by going o'er to see 

The sun set from the Isle. 



&2 A VISIT TO NIAGARA. 



The Poets boast of beauteous skies 

In fair Italians clime, 
And chant their praise of sunset scenes 

In mellow tinted rhyme, 
In fancy 'mong Venetian hills 

Their wand 'ring steps they bend, 
Where Adriatic wave and sky, 

In bright alembic blend. 



That skies of Italy are fair, 

'Tis folly to refute, 
But that they fairer are than mine 

I ever shall dispute. 
The sunset hour of every clime 

Hath beauties of its own, 
But fairer than Columbia's skies, 

I claim that there are none. 



And, if a native of the soil, 

Would boast a scene to match, 
Come ! let him stand beside me here. 

And from the Island watch 
Upon a sea of Amethyst 

With amber waves upcurled. 
The fleecy cloud-ships of the west 

With golden sails unfurled! 



A VISIT TO NIAUA11A. 93 



Then, let him say, if that he can, 

Or that his truth be flown, 
The boasted skies of Italy 

Are fairer than his own; 
E'en as I write, I bow beneath 

The glory of that power, 
Sent by our God to soothe the heart 

At sunset's holy hour. 



Low sinks the sun adown the west 

Through purple mist and gold, 
Which like the curtains of a couch 

Lie lightly fold on fold; 
And, as the sun sinks from my view 

Beyond yon hills afar, 
"Night draws her sable curtain round 

And pins it with a star." 



Here, where the river's endless flood, 
Rolls down in ceaseless flow, 

I stood with thee, oh ; joyous thought ! 
One little year ago. 

Here saw the sun in glory die, 
Here saw him sink to rest, 

Here felt the pressure of thy lips 
And held thee to my breast. 



94 A VISIT TO NIAGARA. 



Ob, glorious eve ! to memory dear, 

Thy mystic witching power, 
Shall thrill my soul as oft as time 

May bring the sunset hour; 
No scene to ccme, no time, no change, 

Can take thee from my mind, 
But in my heart each burning word 

Shall fondly be enshrined. 



But how with thee ? oh, precious one 

Who stood beside me here ! 
Shall I within thy mem'ry live, 

And still to thee be dear ? 
Or when the years swift rolling on 

Shall bear us down life's tide, 
Wilt thou forget the one who watched 

The sunset by thy side ? 



Oh, tell me not if this be so ! 

Still let me fondly dream 
That in thy heart I'll henceforth live, 

And ever to thee seem 
As dear as when we, side by side, 

Felt that fond witching power, 
Which henceforth all my life shall thrill 

When comes the sunset hour. 



A YISIT TO NIAGARA. 95 



But there! I guess I've done it now, 

That last confounded strain 
Has turned me topsy-turvy, and, 

Has quite upset my brain. 
Bat John, I'm very glad to say 

Some common sense yet had, 
And viewed the scene like common folks, 

Nor got with rapture mad. 



But may be, it was on account 

Of what he'd just gone through, 
That John could not appreciate 

The glory of the view. 
Although, perchance, in after years, 

He'll think this tale a myth, 
And maybe quite forget that e'er 

He met with sweet Miss Smith. 



But now, I guess 'tis time for me 

To bid our John farewell, 
He's made some blunders on his trip 

Which I have tried to tell. 
But I've made blunders too, as well, 

I'll say so since you know it, 
In fact, with John and I, 'tis just 

Such Hero, and such Poet. 



96 A VISIT TO NIAGARA. 



Now, if I followed up the plan 

Of writers of the day, 
To some fair maid whom he has met 

I'd give our John away. 
But, as I'm not sensational, 

Nor of my Hero vain, 
I guess I'll send him home, and let 

Him marry Betsy Jane. 

THE END. 



